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NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #18 San Diego Chargers DT Corey Liuget

NFL.com says-

Liuget belongs in the discussion with the other elite defensive tackles in this class. Arguably this year’s most productive DT against the run and also very active rushing the passer. Fires off the ball, maintains sound positioning, has hands that never stop moving, gets off blocks quickly, and closes on ball-carriers and quarterbacks with speed and power. Has the size and strength to move offensive lineman into the backfield. Also comfortable tackling in space and has the awareness to diagnose screens and draws and bat down balls at the line. Liuget has skyrocketed up draft boards this season and should be gone by the mid first.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #17 New England Patriots OT Nate Solder

NFL.com says-

Solder is one of the premier left tackle prospects in this class with the size, strength and athleticism needed to succeed on Sundays. Very sound in pass protection, not as susceptible to the bull rush as you might think given his leaner build, just needs to continue to develop his game against complete pass rushers with a vast array of skills and moves. Very complete in the running game as well, firing off the ball, gaining leverage and moving his feet inline and in space. Understands assignments, locates his man at the second level or on the edge and recognizes and reacts to blitz packages. A true first-round talent.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #19 New York Giants CB Prince Amukamara

NFL.com says-

Amukamara has the size, speed and awareness to start from day one and turn into one of the league’s finer players at the cornerback position. Takes advantage of his instincts and smarts in zone coverage but also has the ability to hold up when asked to cover on an island. Possesses good overall ball skills and hands. Will help out and support the run. Durable, aggressive, competitive and hard-working. No major weaknesses in his game, but isn’t a true burner in terms of straight-line speed. Amukamara will likely be selected early in the first round, possibly in the top 10.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #16 Washington Redskins LB Ryan Kerrigan

NFL.com says-

Kerrigan is a beast of a football player that has the ability to be a difference maker at the next level. He appears to be versatile enough to play defensive end in a 4-3 and outside linebacker in a 3-4. He has the lower body strength to hold his ground in the running game and is a relentless pass rusher. He is a strip sacks specialist who became the Big Ten’s all time leader in forced fumbles as a senior. There are questions whether he can play on his feet in space in the NFL, but Kerrigan is a likely a mid-first round pick.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #15 Miami Dolphins C Mike Pouncey

Will my Dolphins pick or trade. I think they will trade down.

They don’t trade

NFL.com says-

Pouncey is arguably this class’ top interior offensive line prospect. He has outstanding football IQ and the ability to become a pro-bowl starter at guard or center. Has great feet needed to mirror pass rushers and pull down the line. Uses his hands well when battling in pass protection. Shows his understanding of the game when recognizing blitzers and effectively combo blocking with teammates. Plays with passion and aggressiveness and has the work-ethic to continue to improve. Defensive tackles with more size and strength than Pouncey can be his kryptonite but there aren’t many holes in this guy’s game. A first round prospect.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #14 St. Louis Rams DE Robert Quinn

NFL.com says-

Quinn did not play a down in 2010, but he has the potential to be a premier pass rusher at the next level. He has an excellent first step and the burst to consistently get around the edge. He is a relentless pass rusher that will only improve once he develops an array of counter moves. He lacks the bulk to hold stout against the running game and can get overwhelmed by bigger blockers. Quinn has no recent tape, but he has the rare skill set to be a double-digit sack artist in the NFL and will likely be a first-round pick.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #13 Detroit Lions DE Nick Fairley

NFL.com says-

Fairley was once considered the consensus top defensive tackle prospect in the 2011 class, but his attitude and work ethic might have caused him to slip on some boards. Still, he projects to be incredibly disruptive against the pass and run. Nightmare to pass protect against. Possesses great burst, hands that never stop moving, brute strength to push the pocket, and a vast arsenal of moves. Against the run, keeps blockers away from his body, uses his height to find the football, and simply beats lineman with his quickness. Can sniff out screens and draws. There are almost no flaws with Fairley’s physical tools, but his character and work habits should be checked out. Regardless, he is certainly a top-five talent.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #12 Minnesota Vikings QB Christian Ponder

Another Quarterback

NFL.com says-

Ponder’s a fit for a West Coast team that would allow him to use his good footwork and proficiency in the short passing game. Could become a starter if given time and decision making improves. Uses his feet to buy extra time, leave the pocket to throw, or take off and running for first downs. Exhibits the physical and mental toughness you like to see. Has enough arm strength but doesn’t put elite zip on the ball and will try to fit it into too many tight spots downfield. Ponder has slowly climbed up boards, and he is almost certain to go in the second round.

This is a reach.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #11 Houstons Texans DE J.J. Watt

NFL.com says-

Watt is an ideal fit as a strong side 4-3 defensive end but some may like him more as a 3-4 end. A hard-working, intelligent, relentless player. Uses his hands extremely well to get off blocks both rushing the passer and against the run. Doesn’t possesses great initial quickness but closes hard and fast on the quarterback and has enough straight-lined speed to pursue from the backside. Good height, fast hands and great anticipation allow him to bat down a ton of passes. Watt will give you everything he’s got and is certainly a first-round selection.

 

NFL Draft 2011 Round 1 #10 Jacksonville Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert

Jacksonville makes a deal with the Washington. The 3rd Quarterback goes in the first 10 selections.

NFL.com says-

Gabbert has it all physically, but has a long way to go before he’s ready to lead an NFL offense. He played in a spread offense and will have to learn to take snaps under center and make progressions in the pocket. However, he is a smart football player that seems to understand coverages and he has the arm strength to fit the ball into tight windows. He is also very mobile and elusive in the pocket and shows the ability to make plays with his feet. Overall, Gabbert’s tools will be too alluring for a team without a quarterback, and he seems assured to be a top-10 pick, maybe even the first QB off the board.

 
 


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